Yamaha Tapping Into Hydrogen Potential

Announcing the collaboration, Yamaha Motor president Yoshihiro Hidaka said the company is targeting carbon neutrality by 2050. “At the same time, ‘Motor’ is in our company name and we accordingly have a strong passion for and level of commitment to the internal combustion engine. Hydrogen engines house the potential to be carbon-neutral while keeping our passion for the internal combustion engine alive at the same time,” he added.

In November 2021, a Yamaha-developed V8 hydrogen engine - based on the five-litre V8 petrol-powered engine from the Lexus RC F - was unveiled to the public. Modifications to the injectors, cylinder heads and intake manifold assisted with the successful conversion from petrol to hydrogen. The claimed power and torque figures of 335kW (455hp) at 6800rpm, and 540Nm at 3600rpm have been extremely encouraging for the Yamaha engineers. 

The sustainability of hydrogen as a viable alternative to fossil fuels was also on display for the world to see at the 2021 Super Taikyu endurance motor racing championship. Following a five-year development process, a Toyota Corolla fitted with a hydrogen engine took part. The success of this project has already led to discussions about possible joint research into the development of hydrogen engines for motorcycles. 

As well as the technological advancements being made, Yamaha's endeavours to achieve carbon neutrality are creating friendships that transcend industry and company boundaries.